Page 290 - PERSIAN 8 1912_1920_Neat

6 PERSIAN GULP ADMINISTRATION REPORT
no substitute was sent by France to replace him, the charge of all these vario^
medical interests devolvod on the Rcsidonoy Surgeon, who continued »to
charge these rather difficult and delicate duties to the satisfaction of his mifly
employers and until the end of the year. The Customs were particularly
appreciative.
Major S. G. Knox, I.A., C.I.E., as acting British Consul-General, on tho
8th March, assumed charge of Dutch interests from Captain L. Bird wood, and
remained in charge for the rest of tho year.
On tho 2nd July, Dr. Marobbio, Doctor of Coinmerial Sciences, arrived
in Bushiro to ropresont Italian interests. Eo remained only a short time and
left for Tehran vui Mohainmerah and Ahwaz, handing over charge of the Con­
sulate ho had founded to Captain W. G. Noale, who held cliargo until the end
of tho year.
Mirza Ali Muhammad Khan, the Muwaqqar-cd-Dowleh, continued to hold
charge of the office of Governor of the
Persian Officials.
Gulf Port9 throughout the year. His
attitude towards British interests has been somewhat supino of late.
During the War, he lias, on the whole, preserved the neutrality towards
belligerents enjoined on him by the Central Government at Tehran. In his
demeanour, however, signs of pro-German sympathies have not been lacking.
They arc probably induced by Peraiau public feeling around him, actively anti-
Russian, suspicious of Great Britain and therefore pro-German.
Tho Mukhbir-fcs-Sultaneh lias remain­
Governor*General of Far*.
ed, throughout the year, at Ills post at
Sbiraz. •
Mirza Ahmad Khan, Masud-es-Sultaneh, continued to hold the post cf
Foreign Office Agent at Busliire, through­
Karguzar.
out the year. This last year he has
been unjustifiably slack in dealing with British cases, more probably however
from excessive opium smoking and indolence than any anti-British bias.
Abdur Riza Khan, mentioned last year, lias held the post continuously
and attracted no particular notice.
Kalantar and Kalkbuda.
Monsieur H. Bourgeois took over charge from Monsieur Zwinne on the
29th March 1914?- Monsieur Bourgeois
Coitoma.
has, especially since the War broke out,
shown a steady desire to work in with the British. He appears to be a
capable and conscientious official with a sincere desire to do his best for the
interests he is in charge of, and this Residency has no reason to complain
of him.
Some figures showing the effect of the War on the port of Bushire have
been obtained through the courtesy of the Provincial Director and are quoted
as of some interest.
Comparative statement showing Customs duties levied at Bushire during the
months 21st August to 20th December for the years 1913 and 1914.
Imports. 1918. 1914.
21st August to 20fch September , 216,275,65 1 01,36 6,95
21st September to 20th October . 259,807,35 117,136,85
216t October to 20th November , . 165,300,85 124,296,40
21st November to 20th December 166,500,50 *51,996,35

Total 807,974,35 654,796,55
Decrease for four (4) months in 1914 • Karans 153,177,80
Exports. 1915. 1914.
21st August to 20th September . •* 81,374,30 67,839,85
21st September to 20th October 203,716 55 172,659,55
21st October to 20th November 127,091,80 73,241,55
21st November to 20th December 36,133,25 101,668,45

Total 448,314,90 405,399,40
Increase for four (4) months in 1914 9 . Krans 17,034,50